About Solidago houghtonii Torr. & A.Gray ex A.Gray
Solidago houghtonii, scientifically named Solidago houghtonii Torr. & A.Gray ex A.Gray, is a perennial herb. It grows one or more erect stems that can reach 60 centimeters (2 feet) tall or taller, growing from a branching caudex covered in the leftover remains of leaves from previous growing seasons. Leaves near the plant's base are oval-shaped, while leaves higher on the stem are linear or lance-shaped and can grow up to 17 to 18 centimeters (6.8 to 7.2 inches) long. Its inflorescence is an arrangement of many individual flower heads, each up to one centimeter long. Each flower head holds 6 to 12 yellow ray florets that surround several disc florets. The fruit is approximately half a centimeter (0.2 inches) long including the bristly pappus at its tip. This species blooms in August.
Solidago houghtonii grows on the shores of the Great Lakes, primarily Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, near the Michigan-Ontario border at Sault Ste. Marie. It inhabits sandy lakeshore areas and moist limestone alvars. Its habitat is sometimes submerged, but the plants regrow when water levels drop. It can also be found growing in bog habitats.
